Sport

CRICKET: Trescothick sets out aim for 2013

MARCUS Trescothick has got his mind set on just one thing for 2013 – lifting silverware at the end of the season, writes Richard Walsh.

The local hero celebrated his 37th birthday on Christmas Day and would love to be the first Somerset captain to bring the county championship back to Taunton.

Trescothick said: “I want to get my hands on some silverware which is what everybody who is part of this club is really aiming for in 2013.

“I want to score big runs in big games and take Somerset across the line and win a trophy.

“I would just love to be the first Somerset captain to lift the County Championship. That is a major goal of mine to achieve in the time that I have got left playing.”

His hopes were echoed by fast bowler Steve Kirby who said: “In 2013 it would be just amazing if we could bring that championship home to Taunton.

“All of the supporters here have been dreaming of winning it for so long. So if we could bring the title back to the County Ground it would be fantastic.”

The paceman added: “We want to do well in the T20 and win the trophy and get back to the Champions League if we can, but I think for me it has to be the championship that is my number one dream for the year.”

Jos Buttler and Craig Kieswetter are both on their way back out to India with the rest of the England squad ahead of the five match One Day series which gets underway on January 11.

Buttler only arrived back from the T20 series against India on December 22 so has been making the most of his time in Somerset.

He said: “It’s been nice to be back at home and spend Christmas with the family and I have been making the most of the food!

“It was great to finish the year’s cricket with the T20 win in Mumbai. It was disappointing to lose out in the first match in Pune however the team bounced back really well with a really good all round performance.

“It was a great way to finish with Eoin Morgan smacking the last for a huge six and it was a great feeling to be watch it from the other end.”

“I was pretty pleased with my performance in both games and it was a great experience to play in front of some loud Indian crowds.

“Looking ahead to the New Year its brilliant to have been added to the ODI squad to return to India and then to be selected to go onto New Zealand for both T20s and ODIs.

The 22-year-old added: “It’s sure to be an exciting start to the year. When I get back it won't be long until the start of the season here which is creeping up quickly so I look forward to getting back into training with everyone then.”

Meanwhile Alfonso Thomas recorded a T20 career-best 4-8 playing for Perth Scorchers against Melbourne Renegades in the Big Bash League on December 29.